As state leaders attempt to develop guidelines for reopening safely, you may have questions about the requirements for maintaining a safe environment for your business. Specifically, you may be wondering how to document the steps you have taken if someone in your workforce is exposed to COVID-19 and tests positive for the virus. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) …
Contracts are an essential component of effective business management and development. Savvy business owners recognize the value of contracts but often explore ways to reduce the cost of obtaining them. In some instances, business owners attempt to create their own contracts by using templates available online. However, creating your own contract is fraught with risks. What you do not know …
On June 5, 2020, President Trump signed the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (the Flexibility Act) into law, after lawmakers passed it almost unanimously. The original Payment Protection Program (PPP)—a key component of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act signed in March—and the accompanying guidance issued by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Department of the Treasury, …
Uncertainty and unrest have defined 2020. From COVID-19 and record-breaking unemployment to ideological, political, and societal conflicts, business owners have faced significant challenges to their survival and success. Regardless of their current political views or health and financial statuses, business leaders agree that they must navigate this time with care. The decisions that business owners make during difficult periods could …
The post-COVID-19 world will likely see a major shift toward companies maintaining remote workforces. Due to government-mandated business closures and stay-home orders, many owners and employees of small businesses have been forced to work virtually, and they have seen the benefits. Studies show that remote working increases productivity.[1] Large technology companies like Facebook and Twitter have announced that they will …
The landmark COVID-19 stimulus package, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, has been a significant tool for assisting struggling small businesses during the current international pandemic. However, the centerpiece of this legislation, the Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP), has been a source of confusion and frustration for many business owners seeking this aid. In an attempt to alleviate …
You may have heard the term “force majeure” being discussed a lot with regard to parties fulfilling their contractual obligations in light of Coronavirus. Businesses and individuals, alike, are wondering whether force majeure contract clauses will actually hold-up in the face of the Coronavirus pandemic. Many businesses rely on their force majeure clauses regarding “acts of God,” when they have …
Today’s topic is for fellow entrepreneurs on how to get your corporate formality “ducks in a row” — or what I call becoming too legit to quit! While in quarantine, with extra time available, it’s a great opportunity to assess and improve areas of your operations. Get started by first conducting a corporate formalities check-up: Operating agreement: Do you have …
On May 4, 2020, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published questions and answers regarding retirement provisions in Section 2202 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. In addition to providing aid for individuals and businesses, the CARES Act increases accessibility to funds and loans from certain retirement plans and accounts. The information the IRS recently published clarifies …
Despite the uncertainty that has accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic and that still lies ahead, one thing remains certain: Most businesses will eventually reopen. On April 16, 2020, President Trump set forth guidelines for the reopening of businesses in the United States. Additionally, governors from various states continue to roll back statewide stay-home orders in the hopes of restarting economies that …
Businesses across the globe have experienced unprecedented interruptions and closures because of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, many businesses are finding it difficult to perform their contractual obligations. Consequently, a common but often overlooked contractual clause is in the limelight: the force majeure clause. Contrary to popular belief, the mere existence of a force majeure clause does not invalidate …
In today’s data-driven world, small businesses often find themselves in possession of sensitive customer data. As the collection of data increases, customers grow more suspicious of the means and methods used to collect and store data. In response to this growing concern, we are seeing increased legislation pertaining to the collection, storage, and distribution of data. Laws like the California …